What is the difference between compound and isolation movements?

What is the difference between compound and isolation movements?

Compound movements are movements that require many different muscle groups and multiple joints within the body. A good example of this is the deadlift. In order for this to be performed the body utilizes the quads, the hamstrings, the glutes, the lower back, the abs, the lats, the forearms, and more. These movements are unique in that they naturally promote the release of growth hormone throughout the body. Finally, most compound movements mirror the movements that we utilize in everyday life such as sitting and lifting.

Isolation movements seek to isolate specific muscle groups within the body and are commonly done with the aid of specialized machines. An example of these exercises would be the seated calf raise. These types of exercises can be great for instances when one wants to target specific areas of the body such as for rehabilitation or for body-building.